Nursery proposal

PEOPLE can comment on proposals to create a new nursery unit at a Seaton primary school.

Hartlepool Borough Council intends to close Seaton Carew Nursery and for youngsters to attend a newly-built unit at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School.

Meanwhile the school’s governing body is proposing to extend its age range of children from four to three in order to establish the new nursery.

The official statutory notice outlining the plans were published on January 7 and marks the start of a six-week consultation period when people can make written representations.

The proposals state: “The establishment of the nursery provision as an integral part of Holy Trinity CE Primary School offers the opportunity for greater curriculum continuity and progression for children in the context of a school that is rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

“The benefits of an integrated early years foundation stage will be realised by bringing two teams of staff together to share expertise of working with children aged from three to six years.

“All staff will benefit from the increased opportunities for professional development in a larger school with a wider age range.”

Over the last two years the nursery has had around 35 per cent space capacity.

The proposal to close it was backed by the council’s Children’s Services Committee last month.

Following the outcome of the consultation a final decision on the closure of Seaton Carew Nursery and Holy Trinity extending their age range will be made by the council’s children’s services committee and the primary school’s governing body in the spring.

Anyone can comment on the proposals between now and February 14 by writing to Christine Lowson, Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY.

You can also call (01429) 523754 or comment at the website www.hartlepool.gov.uk/Seaton CarewNursery.